GRANDSONS OF ITALY IN AMERICA

Minutes of May 17, 2003 Meeting

President Joe Picarella called the meeting to order and led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. A moment of silence followed for our deceased and ailing brothers and those in the services.

Larry Mascari motioned to accept the minutes for May 3. Carmine Marinelli seconded it. The motion carried.

The web sight is: http://leejpappas.com/goiia.htm (case sensitive, all lower case).

Treas. di Milo read the financial report. Incomes from May 3rd meeting were: Luncheon, $348, and non-eaters, $15 for a total of $363. Luncheon expenses were $327 and gratuities, $5 for a gain of $31. Other incomes were: 50/50 winnings, $34, and Dues, $25. Expenses were printing cost (ink), $32.56. Balance is $4069.50. Steve Loyacano motioned to accept. Vinny Raso seconded it. The motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS – Sec. Poleri reported that Tonia Caruso had received the club’s letter expressing its sorrow in the loss of Brother Anthony Caruso. She told Poleri to tell all “thank you,” and in time will send a thank you card to the group. Pres. Picarella and VP Loyacano composed G.O.I.I.A.’s letter.

Treasurer di Milo reported that the club is waiting for the shirts and hats that were ordered. He didn’t know the exact date when the shirts and hats would be ready.

di Milo also asked the group if anyone had forgotten his jacket at the last meeting. No one claimed the jacket that is still at the Villa Sorrento Restaurant.

Vice Pres. Loyacano felt giving back the 50/50 winnings should be a no-no. He said that some members might not play if they felt that they are obligated to donate their winnings back to the club. Pres. Picarella repeated his remark from last week urging members to feel free to keep their 50/50 winnings.

NEW BUSINESS – Carmine Marinelli suggested the club make an Anthony Caruso nameplate to be placed at his memorial chair at the table. Jerry Amoroso wanted the Caruso’s picture that is placed there now be blown up and framed and has it place at the head of the table. Amoroso didn’t think it would cost too much. Sec. Poleri said that he would have the picture enlarged at no cost.

Vice President Loyacano felt that the club should have an honor roll listing the past members. Treas. di Milo reported that an honor roll is being made.

Poleri had Mike Picarella tell the club about his new DVD movie. Picarella explained that he and several partners had completed an independent film called “1, 2, 3” and are now pre-selling it. The DVD is scheduled to come out in June. The group hopes to make enough money with the pre-selling so they can then do a video-DVD distribution. They plan to make a second movie with the earnings from “1, 2, 3.” Anyone interested in purchasing the DVD call 1-877-561-FILM (3456).

Pres. Picarella announced that at the next dinner the first drink would be on him. No date has been set yet.

Picarella adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. on June 7 at the Villa Sorrento, followed by the June 21st meeting.

Submitted by Sec. Bill Poleri